[Roll Call]
[00:00:04]
>> WELCOME TO THE MONDAY, JUNE 10TH, ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
I NOTE ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PRESENT, EXCEPT COUNCIL MEMBER VEACH THIS EVENING.
WE ALWAYS START WITH THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, SO I INVITE YOU TO STAND UP AND FACE FLAG.
[Approval of Agenda]
NEXT ON THE AGENDA IS THE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND THE CONSENT AGENDA, AND WE DO THAT ONE VOTE.[Consent Agenda]
NOW I WILL GO OVER THE CONSENT AGENDA BEFORE WE VOTE ON TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING ANYBODY WANTS OFF FOR THE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS MORE.WITH THAT SET IS THERE ANYBODY LIKE TO STATE THE CONSENT AGENDA OR ANYBODY WANT ANYTHING OFF? THAT'S UP HERE.
>> YES. I'D LIKE TO REMOVE ITEMS 6, 9 AND 10, PLEASE.
>> WHAT WE'VE GOT RIGHT NOW IN OUR AGENDA.
WE HAVE COUNCIL FOR OUR CONSENT AGENDA IS THE NUMBER ONE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES.
NUMBER 2, THE WORK SESSION SCHEDULE.
NUMBER 5, WASTE HOLLA LICENSES.
NUMBER 6 THEY ARE TAKING OFF, WE'LL PUT UNDER THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
NUMBER 7 IS EMPLOYEE PAY CORRECTION RESOLUTION 748.
NUMBER 8 IS CELLULAR TOWER LEASE EXTENSION, NEW SINGULAR WIRELESS.
NUMBER 9, AND NUMBER 10, WE WILL TAKE OFF AND PUT UNDER THE PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT.
NUMBER 11 IS A POINT PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER.
ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT ANYBODY LIKE TO TAKE OFF TO HAVE THIS COUNCIL DISCUSS LONGER? SEE NONE, I HAVE A MOTION.
>> DO I HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND IT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
AYE. OPPOSED. NOTE THAT PASSES 3-1.
THAT'LL BRING US TO IT'S NOT ON OUR SHEET,
[Additional Item]
BUT WE DO HAVE PLANNING AND ZONING REPORT TONIGHT, SO WE'LL DO THAT FIRST. LAURA.>> YES. LET ME JUST PULL UP HERE.
THIS JUST SHOWS THE BUILDING PERMIT REVENUE SO FAR IN THE YEAR.
I HAVE 2024 IN THE GRAY, AND THEN 2023 IN THE PURPLE.
FROM MAY, WE HAD A YEAR TO DATE, WHERE UP TO 104,000 IN BUILDING PERMIT REVENUE.
>> WHAT'S YOUR BUSY MONTHS? WOW.
>> YES, WE HAD A FEW NEW HOMES AND EVERYTHING.
PREVIOUS YEARS, WE WERE AT 67,000 IN 2022 AND 2023, WE'RE AT 50,000.
THEN I ALSO HAVE THIS ONE, WHICH JUST MORE OF THE TWO COMPARED.
YOU CAN SEE WE'RE FLIP FLOPPED, APRIL, MAY COMPARED TO LAST YEAR, BUT FOR THE MOST PART, WE'RE ON TREND FOLLOWING WHAT WE WERE DOING LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME.
BEEN BUSY IN OUR BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
I GUESS OTHER THINGS THE DEPARTMENT'S BEEN WORKING ON.
OUR BUILDING INSPECTOR HAD HIS LAST SEPTIC CLASS.
WAITING TO SEE THE RESULTS OF THAT, BUT HE'S FEELING GOOD ABOUT IT.
WE'RE STARTING THAT CERTIFICATION PROCESS THERE FOR OUR SEPTIC TRAININGS, FOR OUR OFFICIAL AND OUR INSPECTOR TO GET THAT GOING FOR THEIR OUT IN THE FIELD REQUIREMENTS.
I HAVE MET COUNCIL MEETING LATER THIS WEEK ABOUT THEIR POPULATION FORECASTING FOR 2050.
IT'S ALWAYS INTERESTING TO HEAR HOW THEY WORK THEIR STATISTICS AND SEE WHAT THEY GOT GOING ON THERE.
I'M ALSO MOSTLY WORKING ON PLANNING COMMISSION PREP.
WE HAVE A PACKET WE'LL BE PUTTING OUT AT THE END OF THIS WEEK FOR NEXT WEEK'S PLANNING COMMISSION, WHERE WE HAVE EIGHT OR NINE APPLICATIONS.
A PRETTY BIG AGENDA COMPARED TO LAST MONTH, SO WORKING ON GETTING ALL THOSE MEMOS AND WORKING WITH THE APPLICANTS ON THAT.
BUSY WEEK FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
WHEN WE GET ALL THE SEWER AND WATER STUFF DONE, THEN WE'LL HAVE THAT FULLY IN HOUSE. BECAUSE WE.
>> [OVERLAPPING] YES FOR SEPTIC. YES. ONCE WE GET THOSE VERIFICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH THE STATE, WE'LL BE BRINGING THAT IN HOUSE. YES.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR LAURA? SEE NONE WE WILL BRING IT TO OUR PARKS REPORT WITH JOSH.
[12. Accept Tree Donation - Resolution 7485]
[00:05:02]
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. TONIGHT WE HAVE A TREE DONATION THAT WE'RE BRINGING FORWARD.
SO IN THE LAST MONTH, WE HAD THE ORONO GARDEN CLUB 501 C3 COME FORWARD AND REQUEST THAT THEY DO A PLANTING AT THE ORONO ORCHARDS GOLF CLUB, AS WELL AS THE NEW PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING.
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ADD TO SOME QUALITY TREES ALREADY IN ORONO.
WE'RE ON THE BEGINNING STAGES OF STARTING OUR TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, SO IT'S GREAT TO START OFF WITH A PLANTING.
WE HAVE THE DONATION IS THREE QUAKING ASPEN, IS THAT CORRECT? THEN WE HAVE THREE DIFFERENT APPLE TREES SO THAT ASPEN WILL BE GOING TO THE NEW PUBLIC WORK SITE AND THE APPLE TREES GOING TO THE GOLF COURSES.
IN ITS HISTORY, THE APPLE TREE WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO THAT SITE.
IT'S FUN AS WE'VE MOVED BACK TO THE ORIGINAL NAME, ORONO ORCHARDS GOLF CLUB THAT WE GO BACK TO THE APPLE TREE AT ITS CENTER.
REMIND ME. WE HAVE ONE Z STAR AND TWO HONEY CRISP.
IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO AGAIN, HAVE SOME QUALITY TREES IN OUR PARKS AND FACILITIES, AS WELL AS TO WORK WITH A GREAT 501 C3.
WE HAVE CLAIRE BARRETT HERE TONIGHT.
SHE'S THE ONE WHO'S BEEN LEADING THE CHARGE ON THIS.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE GARDEN CLUB.
IT SEEMS LIKE A GREAT INTRODUCTION.
>> YEAH, AND I'D LOVE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE DOING, BECAUSE I THINK IT'S FABULOUS.
YOU'VE GOT ALL THESE DONATIONS AND YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THE INSTALLATION, AND I KNOW THE RULE WITH APPLE TREES IS YOU GOT TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO.
[OVERLAPPING] CROSS RULE THEY CROSS. [LAUGHTER]
>> THANK YOU, JOSH, AND COUNCIL AND MAYOR.
IT'S MY DELIGHT TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT THE ORONO GARDEN CLUB TO YOU A LITTLE BIT MORE FORMALLY.
I MENTIONED THIS IN THE PUBLIC COMMENTS IN THE LAST MEETING.
I'M CURRENTLY SERVING AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THERE ARE TWO OTHER BOARD MEMBERS, JEN WINTER AND BILL WINTER.
I'LL REFRESH ON OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT.
THE ORONO GARDEN CLUB IS A 501 C3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING ALL THINGS SPECIAL ABOUT ORONO, CULTIVATING PRIDE IN ORONO, STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEIGHBORS, CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY AROUND US, AND GROWING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
WE WELCOME NEW NEIGHBORS, COMMEMORATE CIVIC EVENTS, AND INVOLVE ORONO RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBORS OF ORONO IN POSITIVE SUPPORT OF OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY.
WE DO HAVE SOME GOALS FOR 2024.
WE WANT TO PLAN AT LEAST 25 TREES IN ORONO, SO WE GOT 19 MORE TO GO TO HIT THAT GOAL WITHOUT BEING PRESENTIVE OF THE VOTE TO APPROVE.
WE WOULD LIKE TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF ORONO VIA A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO BUILD A NETWORK OF AT LEAST 200 MEMBERS ORONO RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT OUR ACTIVITIES.
JUDGE HAS DESCRIBED THE TREE DONATIONS JUST A LITTLE BIT OF AN ELABORATION ON WHY WE SELECTED THOSE TREES AS A RECOMMENDATION.
THE QUIGING ASPEN TREES, THEY'RE VERY COMPLIMENTARY TO THE MODERN DESIGN FOR THAT BUILDING, AND EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL WHEN FULL GROWN, ESPECIALLY IN THE FALL OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE LEAF ITSELF MAKES IT SHIVER WHEN A WIND COMES BY AND IT'S JUST REALLY MAGICAL.
THEN THE TWO HONEY CRISP AND ONE ZESTAR, WE'RE RECOMMENDED BY OTTEN BROTHERS.
ALL THESE ARE SOURCED FOR OTTEN, AND THEY ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THAT CROSS-POLLINATION PURPOSE.
WE THINK IT'S PRETTY COOL TO ADD TO THE ONE APPLE TREE THERE BECAUSE I THINK FOUR MAKES AN ORCHARD.
[LAUGHTER] WE DO HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL PLANNED ACTIVITIES.
WE'RE GOING TO BE ESTABLISHING A WELCOME WAGON.
WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO GREET NEW RESIDENTS WITH SOME FLOOR, WHETHER IT'S A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT, A PLANT, SOMETHING FOR THEM TO PLANT IN THEIR GARDEN.
THEN ALSO PROVIDE THEM WITH SOME KEY INFORMATION.
OUR WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT, AND WE'LL HAVE A QR CODE THAT WILL BE ON THE CARD ASSOCIATED WITH THE WELCOME BASKET, AND THAT WILL BRING THEM TO OUR WEBSITE, AND OUR WEBSITE WILL HAVE LINKS TO ALL THE IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR NEW RESIDENTS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO ORONO.
HERE'S HOW YOU GET A HOLD OF THE ORONO ACTIVITY CENTER.
HERE'S YOUR IMPORTANT MUNICIPAL LINKS AND OTHER THINGS.
THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE'RE WILL BE ENLISTING OUR MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR MEMBERSHIP IS REPRESENTED.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN ON THE NEXT DOOR APPLICATION, THEY HAVE LITTLE NEIGHBORHOODS.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE NEIGHBORHOOD COVERAGE IN
[00:10:01]
EACH AREA SO THAT WHEN SOMEBODY IS BEING WELCOMED, THEY'RE BY AN ACTUAL CLOSE BY NEIGHBOR.THAT'S ONE OF OUR ASPIRATIONS.
WE'RE ALSO GOING TO BE CONTINUING TO WELCOME THE NEW CITY STAFF.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS, ANY AT ALL.
WE'RE EXCITED TO THANK OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT MEMBERSHIP DRIVE.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE SOCIAL EVENTS TO BE DETERMINED, ADDITIONAL TREE PLANTINGS, AND THEN OTHER ACTIVITIES GENERALLY SPEAKING THAT EMPHASIZE POSITIVITY AND COMMUNITY HERE AT ORONO.
DID YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?
>> THAT'S AWESOME. IT'S REALLY NICE TO HAVE PEOPLE WHILE THEY WANT TO GET BACK IN THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
YOU'RE GOING TO BE GIVING FLOWERS TO ALL THE POLICEMEN AND FIREMEN THAT WE SWEAR IN.
DON'T FORGET TO COME. OUR NEXT MEETING WE'RE GOING TO.
>> [OVERLAPPING] WE'LL BE HERE.
>> ALL THE FIRE FIGHTERS HAVE LOTS OF FLOWER BOUQUETS THAT TIME.
>> YEAH. ON THE 24TH, FOR SURE.
>> ANYBODY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR CLAIRE?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
BUT JUST A GREAT APPRECIATION OF WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
THAT WAS A PRETTY SIGNIFICANT LIST OF THINGS THAT YOU'RE DOING, AND WE APPRECIATE YOU GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU.
>> WE APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS AND BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER. THAT'S AWESOME.
>> DO WE WANT TO MAKE A MOTION?
>> PARDON ME. I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF TREES AND LABOR FOR THE ONO ORCHARD GOLF COURSE AND THE ONO PUBLIC WORKS.
>> ACTION BY JOHNSON, SECOND BY CROSBY. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED. I HOPE THAT PASSES 4-0.
THAT'LL BRING US TO OUR PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT.
HIELE, I THINK WE BROUGHT TWO ITEMS UNDER YOU.
I THINK WE HAVE NUMBER 9, UNLESS THAT WANTS TO GO UNDER ADAM YOU, BUT IT'S PROBABLY MORE OF A PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT.
>> ACTUALLY FACILITIES UNDER JOSH AND JAMES.
>> JOSH, NUMBER 9 FOR JOSH THEN.
[9. Plumbing Improvements at Temporary Fire Station]
>> ALMOST GOT TO RUN OUT OF DODGE.
>> THANK YOU. TONIGHT, WE HAVE THE PURPOSE OF THIS ITEM IS TO GAIN APPROVAL FOR BASIC PLUMBING REPAIRS TO THE TEMPORARY FIRE STATION REPAIRS, SORRY, THE WRONG TERM IMPROVEMENTS.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES THE USE OF A GEAR EXTRACTOR AND WASHER DRYER FOR THEIR FACILITIES.
THE TEMPORARY FIRE STATION IS CURRENTLY NOT SET UP WITH A LAUNDRY FACILITY, AND SEVERAL SMALL MODIFICATIONS NEED TO PLACE TO WASH AND MAINTAIN THEIR GEAR.
STAFF BROUGHT IN TWO SEPARATE VENDORS FOR QUOTES AND RECEIVED TWO DIFFERENT QUOTES.
THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT INCLUDES SOME STANDARD PLUMBING, FLOOR DRAIN INSTALLATION, SOME CONCRETE WORK AND APPLIANCE HOOKUPS.
THE MAJORITY OF THE COST COMES FROM THE CONCRETE REPAIR OR THE WORK, THE TRENCHING, THANK YOU.
IT'S COSTLY, AND WHERE IT'S GOING IN, THERE'S NOT A WHOLE LOT TO SUPPORT THAT RIGHT NOW.
THERE IS A DRAIN THAT IT GOES TO, SO IT'S A SHORT RUN TO THAT.
THE TWO DIFFERENT VENDORS, WE HAD B&D PLUMBING AND CITY VIEW PLUMBING.
STAFF TONIGHT IS RECOMMENDING AWARDING THE PROJECT TO B&D PLUMBING FOR $9,753.
I MEAN, IN THE END, THIS IS GOING TO BE A FACILITY FOR PARKS AND FOR PUBLIC WORKS.
THE ADDED ROOM WILL BE VERY HELPFUL IT WAS PACKED BEFORE THIS.
OBVIOUSLY, IN THE MEANTIME, WE'RE GOING TO USE THAT AS A TEMPORARY FIRE STATION, SO KNOWING THAT WE NEED A STATION OVER THERE, IT IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS' INTERESTS TO HAVE THAT, AND NOT TO HAVE IT WOULD BE PUTTING OUR CITIZENS IN DANGER BECAUSE WE WOULDN'T HAVE THAT.
IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO PUT THAT IN PLACE.
ANY OTHER THOUGHTS FROM THE COUNCIL? I KNOW COUNCIL MEMBER BENSON, YOU TOOK THIS OFF.
>> I DID. I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, JOSH. THANK YOU.
I JUST WANTED A SEPARATE VOTE ON THIS ITEM BECAUSE I DON'T SUPPORT SPENDING CITY FUNDS ON A TEMPORARY FIRE STATION.
>> KNOWING THAT WE HAVE A FIRE DEPARTMENT, THOUGH, YOU WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE THE FACILITY READY TO BE ABLE TO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING FURTHER TO ADD.
>> NO, I'M JUST ASKING BECAUSE YOU SAID YOU DO NOT SUPPORT SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO HAVE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT. [OVERLAPPING]
>> WELL, THAT SAYS EVERYTHING, I GUESS.
ANYBODY WANT TO MAKE A MOTION?
>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO AWARD THE PROJECT TO B&D PLUMBING, HEATING AND AC INCORPORATED.
>> NO THAT PASSES 3-1, BENSON HAS THE NO.
[00:15:02]
THAT WAS NUMBER 9.THANK YOU, JOSH, APPRECIATE IT.
NOW WE GOT TO CHIEF VAN AYLE AND THAT WILL BRING US TO, I GUESS,
[10. Hire Part-Time Firefighters]
NUMBER 10, WHICH IS HIGHER PART TIME FIREFIGHTERS.>> THANK YOU, MR. MARION, COUNCIL.
AGAIN, I COME BEFORE YOU TO GAIN THE APPROVAL TO HIRE A PART TIME FIREFIGHTER.
WE HAVE BEEN SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR OUR PAID ON CALL AND OUR PART TIME POSITIONS TO FILL.
STEPHANIE HAS THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A FIREFIGHTER WITH ANOTHER DEPARTMENT.
SHE HAS PASSED FIREFIGHTER 1 AND 2 AND EMT.
SHE'S EXCITED TO BE A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE ONO FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND LOOKING FORWARD TO CREATING THE BEST DEPARTMENT THAT SHE CAN.
I DO RECOMMEND STEPHANIE FOR CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER AS A PART TIME FIREFIGHTER WITH EFFECTIVE START DATE OF JUNE 11, 2024, PAY STARTING RATE OF $20 AN HOUR BENEFITS HEIR POLICE AND FIRE PARA.
CONDITIONS FOR THAT ARE PASSING A BACKGROUND CHECK AND A RECORDS CHECK, PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM AND PHYSICAL EXAMS.
>> WELL, OBVIOUSLY, WE'RE STARTING A FIRE DEPARTMENT IN JUST A FEW WEEKS.
WE'RE GOING TO BE SWEARING IN A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, AND WE KNOW THAT TO HAVE A FIRE DEPARTMENT, YOU NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH PERSONNEL, OBVIOUSLY TO TAKE CARE OF THE RESIDENTS AND EVERYTHING THAT DOING SO I'M ASSUMING THAT YOU AGREE WITH THAT, AS WE NEED TO DO THAT.
I WOULD ASK TO ASK YOU ANOTHER QUESTION THAT CHIEF CORRY CAME UP HERE, AND HE WAS DOWN TWO POLICEMEN, AND WE NEEDED TO HIRE TWO POLICEMEN, AND I TOLD YOU THAT I'M NOT IN SUPPORT OF THAT.
DON'T YOU THINK THAT WOULD BE ENDANGERING OUR RESIDENTS BY NOT ADEQUATELY STAFFING OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT.
>> YES, I PROBABLY WOULD BE IF IT'S A REQUIREMENT. YES.
>> WELL, IT'S THE SAME WAY I FEEL THAT IF WE'RE NOT WILLING TO STAFF OUR OWN FIRE DEPARTMENT, WE'RE ACTUALLY WILLINGLY TRYING TO PUT PUTTING OUR FIREFIGHTER AND OUR CITIZENS AT RISK ACTUALLY.
IT BEHOOVES US WHEN WE HAVE A FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WE STAFF IT CORRECTLY WITH BEST PRACTICES INVOLVED ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
I KNOW COUNCIL MYER BENSON TOOK THIS OFF, SO I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAD A SPECIFIC QUESTION FOR THE CHIEF?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ON THIS.
I WANTED TO SEPARATE IT FROM THE REST OF THE AGENDA BECAUSE IT INVOLVES SPENDING TAXPAYER DOLLARS ON A FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT OUR TAXPAYERS HAVE NOT HAD A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH.
I DON'T SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE, AND I'M READY TO VOTE.
I WOULD JUST SAY JUST A MINUTE THERE.
THAT OUR TAXPAYERS HAVEN'T HAD A SEAT AT THE TABLE, WE HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT THIS.
WE HAD PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THIS.
THIS IS A DECISION THAT WE'VE BEEN MAKING OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, NOT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS.
THAT ISN'T A FAIR REPRESENTATION OF WHAT'S ACTUALLY OCCURRED.
I STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU CONTINUE TO NOT SUPPORT MAKING THE DECISION THAT WAS ALREADY MADE BY THIS COUNCIL TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SUPPORT IT TO MAKE SURE IT'S SUCCESSFUL.
I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH THIS WHOLE CONCEPT THAT BECAUSE YOU'RE AGAINST US HAVING OUR OWN FIRE DEPARTMENT OR WHATEVER IT IS, YOU'VE NEVER BEEN, VERY CLEAR ABOUT IT QUITE HONESTLY.
BUT NOT AGREEING TO HIRE FIREFIGHTERS WHEN WE'VE ALREADY COMMITTED TO JULY 1ST AS A START DATE IS INCONSISTENT WITH YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE JOB UP HERE.
THEN TO GO TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER AND SAY THAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVEN'T HAD A SEAT AT THE TABLE IT'S JUST NOT TRUTHFUL.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY, AND I'M READY TO MAKE A MOTION.
>> WELL, AND I KNOW IT'S THE SAME ISSUE THAT I WOULD ASSUME THAT YOU BELIEVE THAT IF WE HAVE A FIRE DEPARTMENT, IT NEEDS TO BE ADEQUATELY STAFFED.
BECAUSE TO ME, YOU'RE VOTING NOT TO ADEQUATELY STAFF OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHICH PUTS OUR CITIZENS AT RISK BECAUSE WE ARE STARTING OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT JULY 1ST.
>> I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD.
>> OBVIOUSLY, I'VE EVEN GOT YOU IN QUOTES AT THE LAKER PIONEER.
AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF MORE STAFFING IS NOT SOMETHING I SUPPORT AND I THINK THAT PUTS OUR RESIDENTS AT COMPLETE RISK BY NOT STAFFING, AND IT COULD BE POLICE, AND IT COULD BE FIRE, BUT YOU'RE CHOOSING IT TO BE FIRE TODAY.
>> OH, WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION, MATT?
>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER TO STEPHANIE IRVIN.
>> AS A PART TIME FIREFIGHTER AT THE RATE OF $20 PER HOUR WITH THE START DATE OF JUNE 11, 2024. WELCOME ABOARD.
>> WELCOME ABOARD, AND I'LL SECOND THAT.
>> MA CROSBY. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE?
>> THAT PASSES 3-1 BENSON WITH THE NO.
CHIEF. ANYTHING ELSE TO REPORT?
[Public Safety Report]
[00:20:02]
I'LL THROW UP A LITTLE PRESENTATION HERE FOR EVERYBODY.>> WE'VE BEEN SEEING THE SLIDE FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS HERE.
JULY 1ST IS THAT FIRST COLUMN ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE.
WE'VE GOT SOME OF OUR PERSONNELS BLED OVER TO JANUARY 1 OF '26 WHEN WE EXPANDED OUT THE DUTY CREWS.
AS YOU CAN SEE, FROM THE PART TIME SIDE, WE'RE NEARING CAPACITY ON THAT ONE.
ON THE PAID ON CALL SIDE, WE'RE ABOUT THREE SHORT OF OUR GOAL, WHERE WE WANTED TO BE AS OF JULY 1ST OF 2024.
WE HAVE ANOTHER ONE THAT'S GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS.
WE'VE DONE OUR BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND THEY'RE ON TO THEIR PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS. HOPEFULLY HE'LL BE ABLE TO GO THROUGH THOSE WITH FLYING COLORS.
THAT'LL PUT US WE'RE AT '23 NOW AFTER STEPHANIE, AND THAT WOULD PUT US AT '24 IF WE GET TO THAT ONE.
WE'RE DOING A GREAT JOB THERE.
THE REST OF THE SLIDE, NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED.
WE'VE DONE SOME OF THE INDIVIDUAL TYPE TRAINING, THE ENGINEERS, THE LADDERS, THE DRAFTING, THE BLUE CARD.
WE JUST DID THIS PAST WEEK ALONG WITH SOME NOZZLE WORK WITH OUR NEW NOZZLES AND HOSES, SO.
>> I LOVE ALL THE PICTURES THAT BETWEEN ADAM AND YOU THAT YOU PUT UP THERE OF THE TRAINING AND SHOWING WHAT EVERYBODY'S DOING, BECAUSE I THINK EVERYBODY GETS A GOOD KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ARE THERE.
I KNOW LONG LAKE HAD AN OPEN HOUSE AND AT A COUNCIL MEETING, AND SOMEHOW THE ONLY PEOPLE I THINK THAT ARE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT TERRITORY WE'RE COVERING IS THE LONG LAKE CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR MINOR, BECAUSE I GUESS HE DID NOT KNOW THAT THEIR OWN FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS TAKING CARE OF THE WATER BORNE STUFF.
HE JUST NEEDED TO CALL HIS FIRE DEPARTMENTS BECAUSE I KNOW WHEN THEY'RE AT THE TUESDAY FIRE ADVISORY MEETING, THAT THE DEPUTY CHIEF MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY KNEW THAT THEY WERE COVERING ALL THE STUFF THAT THEY NEEDED A BOAT TO GET TO.
THE ONLY PERSON THAT DID IT WAS CHARLIE MINOR AT THE LONG LAKE CITY COUNCIL.
HE'S GOT TO CALL YOUR PEOPLE, COMMUNICATION.
ANY OTHER THOUGHTS FROM ANYBODY ELSE IN THE COUNCIL?
>> I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT.
THE START DATE IS JULY 1, AND I'M WONDERING IF YOU CAN JUST SPEAK TO ALL OF THE EQUIVALENT, ALL OF THE TRUCKS, AND UPDATE US AS TO WHAT IS EVERYTHING ON SITE AND READY WITH EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES.
>> THE ONES THAT ARE IN THE SOLID GREEN ON THIS ARE HERE AND READY TO GO.
THE ONES THAT ARE IN THE DASH LINES ARE BASICALLY THE ONES THAT ARE IN THE PROCESS AND STILL BEING WORKED ON, AND HOPEFULLY ARE DELIVERED BY THE TIME THAT WE HAVE START UP BY JULY 1ST.
>> IN PROCESS, MEANING THEY'RE IN TRANSIT, OR WHAT DOES THAT MEAN IN PROCESS?
>> WITH THE MEDICAL TRUCK, WE'RE GOING TO RUN THE INITIAL MEDICALS WITH OUR ENGINE TO BEGIN WITH UNTIL THE MEDICAL TRUCK ARRIVES, WHICH SHOULD BE SOMETIME IN LATE JULY OR EARLY AUGUST, WHICH WE'VE TALKED ABOUT IN THE PAST.
THEN THE TANKER, WE'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT IT SHOULD BE HERE JUNE 30TH.
I'M NOT COUNTING MY BLESSINGS ON THAT, SO WE'RE MAKING A COUPLE OF PLAN AS AND PLAN BS AND PLAN CS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING ADEQUATE HERE TO BE ABLE TO USE BESIDES THE PUBLIC WORKS TANKER.
>> IS THIS TANKER THAT'S IN PROGRESS OR IN PROCESS WITH THE DOTTED LINES, IS THIS NECESSARY TO SERVICE ON JULY 1?
>> NECESSARY NO, BECAUSE WE HAVE AUTO WEDS SET UP FOR THAT AREA FOR TWO TANKERS ALREADY, TOO, SO IT WOULDN'T BE AS MUCH OF A NEED IF WE DIDN'T HAVE IT, BUT IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE AN IN PLACE BEFORE WE START UP, GUESS.
>> WHAT IS THE PLAN IF THAT THE TANKER DOESN'T ARRIVE BY JUNE 30TH?
>> WE HAVE PUT CALLS OUT TO OTHER AGENCIES THAT HAVE TANKERS THAT THEY'RE LOOKING TO SELL TO SEE IF WE CAN RENT OR LOAN OR USE SOME OF THEIR TANKERS IN THE SHORT TERM.
>> WOULD YOU WAIT UNTIL JUNE 30TH TO MAKE THE CALLS, OR ARE YOU GOING TO ANTICIPATE STARTING THOSE SOMETIME SOON?
>> WE'VE ALREADY STARTED MAKING THOSE CALLS.
>> YOU'VE STARTED MAKING CALLS.
>> USE OR LOAN OR RENTAL, DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR.
THEN WE'D HAVE TO TALK TO COUNSEL ABOUT ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT.
>> IF SOMETHING WASN'T AVAILABLE, WHAT WOULD THE PLAN B BE FOR THAT?
>> WE HAVE A PRETTY GOOD BEAD ON TWO OF THEM.
I THINK WE'RE NOT GOING TO NEED A PLAN C OR A PLAN D.
>> WHAT IS THE GOAL IN TERMS OF HAVING ALL EQUIPMENT IN VEHICLES ON SITE AND READY TO GO? WHAT DATE IS THAT?
>> BEFORE JULY 1ST WOULD BE THE DATE, EXCEPT FOR THAT BRUSH MEDICAL TRUCK, WHICH IS NOT GOING TO BE HERE UNTIL THE END OF JULY, AUGUST.
>> I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING FURTHER. THANKS.
[00:25:02]
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE.
>> 23. I'LL SQUEEZE HIM UP HERE TO SWEAR THEM IN AND GET PICTURES.
>> YEAH, EXACTLY. MR. MAYOR, I DO WANT TO SAY WE DO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER COMING.
SHE DOES A LOT OF FREE HEADSHOTS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY INDIVIDUALS.
HER HUSBAND WAS A FIREFIGHTER, A FIRE CHIEF IN CLONE, MINNESOTA, AND SHE'S OFFERED THAT OUT, SO SHE'S GOING TO HELP US OUT.
>> AWESOME. THAT'S GREAT. ANYBODY WHO COULD TAKE OUT OF THE GOOD PICTURES.
>> SHE'S GOT A STUDIO OVER IN MOUNTAIN, SO.
>> NICE. AWESOME. WELL, THANKS.
WELL, I WILL GO OVER TO OUR CITY ATTORNEY REPORT.
[Attorney Report]
I DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF, SO.>> NO PROBLEM. THANK YOU. MAYOR. MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
I'M AMY SCHMIDT, AND I'M FROM CAMPBELL KNUTSON.
I'M HERE FILLING IN FOR SOREN MEDIC.
HE'LL BE BACK FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING.
I DON'T HAVE ANY REPORT TO MAKE, BUT I'M OBVIOUSLY HERE TO BE OF ASSISTANCE IF YOU NEED IT.
>> THANK YOU. ANY QUESTIONS FOR HER.
>> I HOPE SOREN IS ON A NICE VACATION. [LAUGHTER]
>> IT'S A RIVER BOAT CRUISE, AS I.
>> SO HE'S RIGHT. HE'S IN GREASE, RIGHT?
>> HE'S IN GREASE, RIGHT? FOR THAT BOAT MARK.
>> YOU KNOW, I HAVE TO BE HONEST.
I DON'T KNOW. [LAUGHTER] [OVERLAPPING]
>> YOU HAVE TO TELL HIM TO BRING PICTURES.
HE CAN'T COME BACK. [LAUGHTER]
>> I'LL LET HIM KNOW. THANK YOU.
>> WELL, THAT'LL BRING US TO OUR CITY ADMINISTRATIVE ENGINEER REPORT, AND WE MOVED NUMBER 6,
[6. 2023 Funds Transfers]
2023 FUNDS TRANSFERS DOWN TO YOU ALSO.>> I THINK I'LL PITCH OVER TO MAGGIE TO START THAT ONE.
>> GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNSEL.
TONIGHT, WE HAVE THE 2023 ADDITIONAL FUND TRANSFERS THAT NEED TO BE MADE DURING THE AUDIT PROCESS.
STAFF FOUND A NUMBER OF TRANSFERS THAT AND CORRECTIONS BETWEEN EACH OF THE FUNDS THAT SOME OF THE FUNDS NEED TO REIMBURSE THE OTHER FUNDS, AND THEN PER THE CIP THAT WAS APPROVED IN DECEMBER OF 2023 FOR 2024, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
THERE WERE TRANSFERS THAT WERE LISTED FROM THE ENTERPRISE FUNDS TO THE FACILITY FUND.
THAT NEEDS TO BE MADE AS WELL. ANY QUESTIONS?
>> YES. I TOOK IT OFF BECAUSE I DO HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
I'M LOOKING AT THE TRANSFERS ON THE AGENDA ITEM THAT WERE NUMBERS 5, 6, AND 7 THAT TOTAL $3 MILLION FOR THE NEW PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING AND THEY'RE COMING OUT OF WATER SEWER AND STORMWATER FUNDS.
ARE THESE CONSIDERED LOANS THAT WILL BE REPAID OR NOT? WE CAN GO EITHER WAY.
WE CAN MAKE IT A LOAN OR WE CAN MAKE IT A TRANSFER WITHOUT MAKING IT AN INTER-FUND LOAN, THESE FUNDS DO UTILIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING AS WELL.
STAFF IS DEDICATED TO THESE FUNDS, AND THE FACILITY DOES SUPPORT THESE ENTERPRISE FUNDS SO THAT'S WHERE LOGISTICALLY, WE CAN SAY THAT THESE ENTERPRISE FUNDS SHOULD COVER A PORTION OF THE FACILITY WELL.
I CAN GO BACK HISTORY-WISE A LITTLE BIT BECAUSE A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, VICTORIA SEALS WHEN SHE WAS MY COUNCIL MEMBER OVER HERE WE WERE ON THE BUDGET COMMITTEE.
WHEN WE ESTABLISHED ALL THE WATER RATES, WE BASICALLY DECIDED WE NEEDED TO PUT ALL OF OUR BUSINESS IN LINES OF BUSINESS, WHETHER IT WAS WATER, SEWER, STORMWATER, POLICE, FIRE NOW, PUBLIC WORKS, THE GOLF COURSE, ALL THOSE THINGS HAD THEIR OWN LINES OF BUSINESS, AND THEY HAD TO BE COMPLETELY SELF-SUPPORTIVE, SO WE KNEW WHAT MONEY SO THE GENERAL FUND JUST WASN'T FUNDING EVERYTHING.
EVERYTHING HAD TO KNOW IF IT WAS MAKING MONEY OR NOT MAKING MONEY.
AS AN EXAMPLE, ADAM, HIS SALARY WOULD GO 7% TO, SAY, THE WATER FUND, 8% TO THE SEWER FUND, 15% TO STORMWATER, SOME WILL GO TO PUBLIC WORKS, SOME WILL GO TO ALL THE DIFFERENT LINE ITEMS WILL GET DISPERSED, SO EVERYBODY WAS PAYING FOR THEIR PORTION.
WE DID IT WITH THE IT DEPARTMENT.
THE IT DEPARTMENT WAS OBVIOUSLY DOING A LOT OF POLICE, BUT THERE WAS OTHER DEPARTMENTS THAT THEY SERVED AND SO EVERY LINE ITEM HAD TO GET DISPERSED A LITTLE BIT TO EVERYBODY ELSE AND WE DID THE SAME THING WITH WATER AND SEWER AND STORM FUNDS AS WE MADE SURE THAT THEY HAD ADEQUATE RESERVES, NOT ONLY FOR WHEN WE GO OUT AND WE HAVE TO REPLACE A MILE OR 2 MILES OF PIPE EVERY SINGLE YEAR BECAUSE OF FUNCTIONAL OBSOLESCENCE THAT HAPPENS WITH METAL THAT'S UNDER THE GROUND OR PLASTIC THAT BREAKS AND GET ROOTS AND STUFF THAT GO IN IT.
THINGS NEED TO GET REPLACED, JUST LIKE ROADS AND SO WHEN WE DO ROADS,
[00:30:02]
WE TRY AND DO THE WATER AND SEWER AND ALL THAT AT THE SAME TIME BUT WHEN YOU REPLACE A MILE OF PIPE, IT'S NOT CHEAP IN SOME YEARS IT MIGHT BE ONE, SOMETIMES IT MIGHT BE TWO.SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT HAVE A WATER MAIN THAT BLOWS OUT UNDERNEATH THE COFFEE BRIDGE THAT WE GOT TO SPEND $200,000 ON, YOU GOT TO HAVE THAT MONEY LAYING AROUND, BUT WE DO.
WE PUT ALL THESE RESERVES IN PLACE, AND PART OF THE RESERVES IN PLACE, WAS A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND BECAUSE THEY OBVIOUSLY GET HOUSED IN FACILITIES.
THE FACILITIES GET DEPRECIATED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME FOR RESERVES FOR REPLACEMENT, AND ALL THE FUNDS HAVE TO HAVE THAT MONEY LINED UP AS WELL SO WE SET THAT UP YEARS AND YEARS AGO.
WHEN WE DID COME IN WITH OUR BUDGET WHICH WE BUDGETED FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS AND THEY ASKED US YEARS AGO, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THE OVERAGE JUST SAY, WE HAVE RESERVES IN PLACE.
WE'VE PLANNED FOR THIS A LONG TIME AGO IF THERE'S ANY PROBLEMS OR ANY OVER BUDGETS BECAUSE THINGS HAPPENED AND OBVIOUSLY, COVID AND PRICES WERE A LITTLE CRAZY AND SO WE HAD RESERVES IN PLACE, WHICH SHOWS YOU WHAT WE DO IN ONO, WE PLAN, WE PLAN RESERVES,EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE, AND THEN IT'S PAID FOR.
WE DON'T GO LIKE LONG LAKE AND COME UP TO THE ROAD AND SEWER AND THEY SAY, WE'RE REDOING YOUR WATER SEWER, BUT WE'RE GOING TO CHARGE YOU $30,000, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW YOU PAY TAXES BECAUSE THEY DON'T PLAN TO HAVE ALL THAT MONEY IN THEIR BUDGET.
WELL, WE'VE GOT IT ALL IN OUR BUDGET AND SO WE'RE WELL ENOUGH ALONG AFTER EIGHT YEARS UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF MY MAYORSHIP TO HAVE ALL THESE THINGS IN PLACE AND NOW IT'S TIME AS WE FINISH THE PROJECT THAT THOSE DOLLARS GET TURNED OVER FOR THE RESPECTIVE PERCENTAGES THAT THEY UTILIZE IN THAT FACILITY.
THAT'S THE HISTORY OF WHERE WE GO AND WHERE WE ARE, AND THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WE MAKE THOSE TRANSFERS BECAUSE THE PROJECT IS COMPLETE, AND WE GOT AN OPEN HOUSE ON THURSDAY FROM 3-5.
EVERYBODY COME, TAKE A WALK THROUGH, SEE THE BEAUTIFUL FACILITY HAVE AND ALL THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS THAT ACTUALLY WORK OUT OF THERE AND WHAT WE DO IN OUR FLEET MAINTENANCE DIVISION, WHERE WE HAVE EVERYTHING IN THERE TO FIX EVERYTHING.
I THINK I POSTED ONE OF THOSE PICTURES, BUT IT'S NICE NOT TO HAVE TO GO OUT AND WORRY ABOUT X Y Z AUTO REPAIR PLACE TO GET OUR OIL CHANGES DONE OR OUR WHEELS ROTATED, OR OUR STEERING FLUID REPLACED, WHATEVER IT HAPPENS TO BE.
IT LOOKS LIKE A BODY SHOP IN THE BACK WHEN YOU GO BACK THERE.
NOT A BODY SHOP PER SE, BUT AN AUTOMOTIVE FIX A PLACE BECAUSE YOU GOT HUGE BINS OF WHERE ALL THE FLUIDS ARE, WHETHER IT'S GREASE AND OIL.
THE THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE BECAUSE WE HAVE A FULL-TIME FLEET MAINTENANCE DIVISION.
HOW MANY VEHICLES DO WE HAVE TOTAL IF YOU HAD TO ADD THEM ALL UP AND WE HAVE LIKE 60, 50, 70 OF THEM? SOMEWHERE AROUND THERE.
I JUST THINK IF YOU HAD 60 KIDS IN ALL THOSE CARS, AND YOU'D BE ROTATING A LOT OF TIRES AND CHANGING A LOT OF OIL, GETTING IT OUT THERE SO I KNOW CAUSE I HAVE FOUR, AND THAT PUTS PLENTY.
THAT'S JUST A LITTLE HISTORY TO BACK UP A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH OUR FUND TRANSFERS NOW THE PROJECT HAS BEEN FINISHED.
REGARDING THE RESERVES, NOW THAT THIS $3 MILLION OR $1 MILLION FOR EACH FUND IS BEING TRANSFERRED FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING.
HOW WILL THE RESERVES BE REPLENISHED? UTILITY RATES WILL REMAIN STABLE UP UNTIL WE DO OUR UTILITY RATE STUDIES AGAIN.
PRIOR TO, I BELIEVE 2019, I BELIEVE THAT'S WHEN WE STARTED HAVING OPERATING RESERVES FOR THOSE ENTERPRISE FUNDS, SO THAT'S A NEWER CONCEPT AS WELL BUT WE'LL REPLENISH IT.
IT'S A SELF-REPLENISHING FUND THAT WE BUILT IN WITH ALL THE RATES.
THESE TRANSFERS DON'T AFFECT THE RATES BECAUSE IT WAS ALREADY BUILT INTO THE RATES THAT WE'VE GOT THAT IS ALL SELF REPLENISHING JUST LIKE OUR ROADS BUDGET AND EVERY OTHER BUDGET THAT WE PUT IN PLACE.
REGARDING USER FEES, IS THERE A POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT ON WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR USERS IN THE CITY, GIVEN THAT THE RESERVES NEED TO BE REPLENISHED IN THE FUTURE? NO. THE RESERVES WERE MADE OR CREATED TO FUND PROJECTS AS THEY COME UP.
THAT DOES NOT AFFECT THE CURRENT UTILITY RATE AND THEN AS WE GO FORWARD IN FUTURE BUDGET YEARS, THAT'S ONE WE'LL SEE WHAT ADDITIONAL PROJECTS WILL NEED TO BE DONE AND THAT MAY IMPACT UTILITY RATES IN THE FUTURE PROJECTS.
BUT AGAIN, WE DON'T PROJECT OUR BUDGET OUT FIVE YEARS FROM NOW, BUT WE HAVE PROJECTED OUR WATER RATES TO STAY AND WHEN WE DID IT ADD AND WE PROJECTED ONCE WE GOT UP TO THE RATES THAT WE NEEDED TO HAVE FOR SELF-FUNDING, IT WAS LIKE 2 OR 3 OR 4% MOVING FORWARD, BASICALLY.
[00:35:01]
GENERAL MINOR INFLATION COSTS.WHEN WE DID THE LAST RATE STUDY, THAT RATE STUDY TAKES US OUT TO 2025.
IN 2025, WE'LL BE DOING ANOTHER RATE STUDY, LOOKING ANOTHER FIVE YEARS FORWARD.
I DON'T HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS. THANKS.
>> I CAN MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2023 TRANSFERS AS PRESENTED ON THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT.
>> OPPOSED? NOTE THAT PASSES FOUR TO ZERO.
LET ME JUST GET THIS WRITTEN DOWN HERE.
THAT'LL TAKE US TO OUR COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS AND LET'S SEE WHAT WE HAD.
[13. Council Committee Reports]
WELL, IT LOOKS LIKE WE DID HAVE A LEGAL COMMITTEE REPORT, BUT THAT WAS JUST A PRE MEETING WITH OUR MEDIATOR, WHICH IS CLIENT ATTORNEY PRIVILEGES' SO THERE'S NOT MUCH TO TALK ABOUT THAT, BUT WE DID HAVE THAT.I KNOW THE POLICE COMMISSION MET, COUNCIL MEMBERS MATT JOHNSON AND COUNCIL MEMBER BENSON, IF YOU GUYS HAVE SOMETHING TO REPORT ON.
>> THANK YOU. IT WAS A MEETING TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBLE BENEFIT RIGHT NOW.
WE ESSENTIALLY HAVE TWO PROSECUTORIAL LAW FIRMS THAT ARE PROSECUTING CIVIL CASES AND CRIMINAL CASES SEPARATELY AND WE WERE LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY AND THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF CONTRACTING ONE FIRM FOR BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL.
THAT WAS ESSENTIALLY A DISCUSSION, AND THERE ARE REASONS THAT IT COULD BE BENEFICIAL, COORDINATION.
THERE'S A LOT THAT GOES INTO THESE CASES AND WHEN YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT DIFFERENT CITIES AND DIFFERENT ENTITIES, THE COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION CAN BE DIFFICULT.
AT THIS POINT, THE STAFF IS GOING TO LOOK INTO THIS POSSIBILITY AND ESSENTIALLY GET BACK TO THE COMMISSION WITH IT.
ONE OTHER ISSUE THAT WAS DISCUSSED WAS THAT ROUTINE UPDATES WILL NOW BE PROVIDED TO THE MOUND CITY COUNCIL, GIVEN SOME CONCERNS ABOUT SOME PARKING RELATED ISSUES, AND IT'S A WAY OF JUST INCREASING COMMUNICATION THERE. THAT WAS ABOUT IT.
>> THAT'S GOOD. I GUESS WE HAD THE LONG LAKE FIRE ADVISORY BOARD.
I KNOW MARIE WAS THERE, BUT SHE'S ON A FAMILY VACATION.
RICHARD, I KNOW YOU WERE NOT ABLE, BUT I KNOW ADAM WAS THERE.
>> COUNCIL MEMBER VEACH DID SEND ME SOME NOTES THAT SHE WANTED ME TO PASS ALONG.
SHE ASKED ME TO, WE DID REVIEW THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET YEAR TO DATE, AND WE'LL BE LOOKING AT NEXT COUPLE OF MEETINGS TO START BUILDING THE 2025 BUDGET.
THERE WAS A DISCUSSION ON HOW THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT DUTY CREW HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND HAS BEEN BUILDING OVER TIME.
IF ANYBODY CAN'T REMEMBER, THAT WAS A NEW INITIATIVE THAT THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT STARTED, TOWARDS THE END OF BEGINNING AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR AND RAMPING IT UP.
WE'RE JUST LOOKING AT HOW THOSE FILL RATES AND RESPONSES WERE WORKING, WHICH IS SHOWING VERY GOOD PROMISE.
THEN, AS YOU MENTIONED BEFORE, MAYOR, THERE WAS SOME DISCUSSION ABOUT COVERAGE ON LAKE MINNETONKA, WITHIN THE LAKES IN PARTICULAR FOREST LAKE AND [INAUDIBLE].
AS YOU MENTIONED, THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT, CONFIRMED THAT THEY DID UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WERE STILL COVERING THINGS ON LAKE MINNETONKA DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD.
ALSO GOT A REPORT FROM LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT THEIR STAFFING IS GOING VERY WELL.
THEY'VE GOT TO RECRUITS IN THE PIPELINE AND HAVE A FAIRLY I THINK HIGHEST OR NEAR HIGHEST LEVEL OF STAFFING THEY'VE HAD IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. THAT WAS IT.
>> WELL, THAT'LL BRING US TO PUBLIC COMMENTS,
[Public Comments]
WHICH IS A LIMITED THREE MINUTES PER PERSON.IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL.
COUNCIL WILL NOT ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION OR TAKE ACTION ON ITEMS PRESENTED AT THIS TIME.
HOWEVER, THE COUNCIL MAY REFER ISSUES TO STAFF FOR FOLLOW UP OR CONSIDERATION AT A FUTURE MEETING.
SPEAKERS SHOULD STATE THEIR NAME AND HOME ADDRESS AND CITY AT THE PODIUM BEFORE SPEAKING.
THE COUNCIL WILL FIRST OPEN THE PODIUM TO ORONO RESIDENTS BEFORE OPENING THE PODIUM TO ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.
ADAMS ARE TIMEKEEPER, AND SO IS THERE ANYBODY FROM ORONO THAT WOULD LIKE TO COME UP TODAY? SEEN.
[00:40:04]
>> RICHIE ANDERSON, I LIVE AT 3205 CRYSTAL BAY ROAD.
I SAW THIS POST IN NEXT DOOR FROM FRIENDS OF ORONO, AND IT SAYS, LAKE MINNETONKA RESIDENTS IN ORONO, DID YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY IN THE NEW NAVARRE AREA COVERED BY THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT, THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO COME TO YOUR RESCUE IF YOU'RE LOCATED OFFSHORE.
ORONO DIDN'T BUY A RESCUE BOAT.
THAT MEANS SOME OTHER DEPARTMENT OR COUNTY RESCUE WATER PATROL WILL NEED TO TAKE THE CALL.
TO COMMENT ON THAT, MARINAS ARE WELL STAFFED TO HANDLE ANYTHING I.E WHEN THE SAILBOATS TIPPED OVER, AND CHIEF O'NEILL CAN ATTEST TO THIS.
WHEN THE SAILBOATS TIPPED OVER OUT IN FRONT OF OUR BROWNS BAY MARINA, TRAVIS RESCUED A COUPLE DUDES, GOT A PLAQUE FROM THE OFD.
WHEN THE FIREFIGHTERS WERE OUT THERE, HE WAS DRIVING.
THEY COULDN'T GET THE GUY IN THE BOAT.
TRAV PULLED THEM OUT OF THE WAY, JERKED THEM IN AND BROUGHT THEM TO SHORE.
NOW, ONE FIREBOAT, WHICH IS INTERESTING STORY THE OTHER DAY IT WAS BLOWING ABOUT 6 AND TRAV AND THE BOYS WENT DOWN TO RESCUE THE PONTOON BOAT.
BUT THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME DOWN HERE TRYING TO GET THROUGH THE GATE TO RETIE UP THEIR FIRE BOAT.
THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE KEYS TO GET THROUGH THE GATE.
TRAV GOES, WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST JUMP IN THE WATER RUCK AROUND THE GATE AND GET ON THE DOCK.
THAT'S PRETTY FUNNY, ACTUALLY, THANK GOD, WE DIDN'T BUY A RESCUE BOAT THERE 100 GRAND, CAUSE THE MARINAS, WHICH THERE ARE SIX IN ORONO, WE ARE ALL LOCKED IN, IF YOU EVER HAVE AN ISSUE, WE ARE ALL ON BOARD.
WE GOT FOUR OR FIVE BOATS THAT ARE READY TO GO AT OUR PLACE.
WAS THAT A MARINAS ALL TEED UP, BOAT CLUB, RIVER VALLEY.
WE DON'T NEED A RESCUE BOAT, FOR SURE.
THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS NOBODY CAN RUN THAT RESCUE FIREBOAT, LIKE THE GUYS THAT WORK AT THE MARINAS THAT HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR THEIR WHOLE LIFE.
THANK YOU FOR NOT BUYING A RESCUE BOAT. THAT'S PRETTY FUNNY.
>> ANYBODY ELSE FROM ORONO TONIGHT? LET'S SEE, NOBODY ELSE FROM ORONO? IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO COME UP TONIGHT?
>> KELLY GRADY, GREEN HILL LANE, LONG LAKE.
ACCORDING TO THE AUDIO FROM THE JUNE 4TH FIRE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING, LONG LAKE COUNCIL MEMBER, JAHN DYVIK STATED THAT THE CITY OF LONG LAKE WAS COMPLETELY SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT LONG LAKE FIRE WOULD STILL BE COVERING A SIGNIFICANT WATERFRONT AND LAKE SHORE AREAS OF FOREST LAKE AND NORTH ARNE BAYS, EVEN AFTER THE SELF IMPOSED JULY 1ST, 2024 DATE WHEN ORONO FIRE IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE OVER SERVICE FOR THE AREA.
IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE CITY OF ORONO HOPE TO KEEP THIS INFORMATION UNDER WRAPS FROM CITIZENS SINCE THE MAJORITY OF COMMUNICATIONS TO ORONO CITIZENS BRAGS THAT ORONO FIRE IS "FULLY EQUIPPED AND READY FOR SERVICE, THE ORONO RESIDE FOR SERVICE OF THE ORONO RESIDENTS IN THE NAVARRE AREA." BETTER THAN THEY HAVE EVER BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.
THAT IS DIRECTLY FROM A RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POST FROM THE ORONO MAYOR, DENNIS WALSH.
HOW CAN IT BE BETTER IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BOAT TO SERVICE THE LAKE SHORE CITY? THESE COMMUNICATIONS HAVE CONSISTENTLY NEGLECTED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE FACT THAT ORONO WOULD BE UNABLE TO RESPOND TO WATER CALLS WITHIN ORONO.
DYVIK WENT ON TO ASK, IF YOU'RE GOING TO COVER A CAD ZONE, THEN YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO COVER A CAD ZONE.
THERE WERE SEVERAL SECONDS OF SILENCE WHEN CHARLIE MINOR THEN STOPPED AND ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION TO WHICH CHIEF VAN EYLL REPLIED DEFIANTLY, "HOW MANY CALLS EVEN HAPPEN IN THOSE AREAS? LIKE NEXT TO NONE." I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT IN THE LAST WEEK TWO CALLS CAME THROUGH DISPATCH FOR THE CALL AREA IN QUESTION.
I JUST WANT TO PAUSE HERE BECAUSE I'M NOT THE CHIEF OF A FIRE DEPARTMENT, BUT I STILL KNOW THAT YOU CANNOT MANAGE EMERGENCY SERVICES ON STATS ALONE.
THAT NEXT TO ZERO IS NOT ZERO, AND THAT IT IS INCUMBENT ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO BE STAFFED AND EQUIPPED FOR ALL AREAS AND ALL CALLS AND SCENARIOS, NO MATTER HOW UNLIKELY, BECAUSE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE.
ACCORDING TO THE LETTER FROM LONG LAKE CITY ADMINISTRATOR, SCOTT WESKE TO THE CITY OF ORONO, SEEKING IMMEDIATE CLARIFICATION FOR THE SERVICE AREA,
[00:45:01]
AND NOTING THAT NOT THAT THE LETTER IN JUNE 2023 DID NOT COMMUNICATE ANY EXCEPTIONS OR AREAS OF SPECIAL COVERAGE TO THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT.HE ALSO NOTED THAT IT IS OBJECTIONALLY CLEAR THAT ORONO WILL BE UNABLE TO SERVICE THE ENTIRETY OF THIS AREA THAT WITHDRAWING EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, AND IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY IS MAINTAINED.
AT A MINIMUM, ORONO NEEDS TO WRITE A FORMAL REQUEST TO THE CITY OF LONG LAKE.
I'VE HEARD HERE TONIGHT PEOPLE SUGGESTING THAT THERE WERE MAYBE A FEW PEOPLE THAT WERE AWARE OF THIS, BUT I WOULD ARGUE THAT THE CITY OF LONG LAKE OR THE CITY OF ORONO RATHER IS NOT IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE LEADERSHIP AT THE LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THAT YOU ARE IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CITY OF LONG LAKE, AND IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THEM. THANK YOU.
>> ARE ANYBODY ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO COME UP TONIGHT? I SEE NO OTHERS.
I WILL CLOSE THE COMMENT PERIOD AND BRING IT UP TO THE COUNCIL FOR
[Mayor/Council Report]
THE MAYOR COUNCIL REPORT. COUNCIL MEMBER BENSON.>> THANK YOU. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF ATTENDING THE MOUNTAIN FISHFRY ON JULY 1ST.
IT WAS WELL ATTENDED, AND A GREAT EXAMPLE OF COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT ITS FIRST RESPONDERS.
I DO WANT TO THANK THE ORGANIZERS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO WORKED HARD TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS.
THE BUDGET CYCLE IS BEGINNING VERY SOON, AND THERE WILL BE SCRUTINY ON THE DECISIONS MADE ABOUT HOW MUCH TO TAX AND WHERE THE MONEY SHOULD BE ALLOCATED.
THERE'S BEEN MUCH DISCUSSION IN OUR CITY ABOUT FIRE SERVICES FOR MANY REASONS.
ONE OF WHICH IS THAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE EXPENSIVE TO PROVIDE.
THERE IS A REASON THAT IN 2024, MOST CITIES, THE SIZE OF ORONO ARE NOT LOOKING TO START INDEPENDENT FIRE DEPARTMENTS BECAUSE IT'S A BURDEN ON TAXPAYERS, AND IN MOST CASES, IT'S UNNECESSARY TO DO.
IN 2018, WHEN THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL SENT A LETTER TO THE CITY OF LONG LAKE EXPRESSING A DESIRE TO LOOK AT OPTIONS FOR CHANGING THE WAY FIRE SERVICE WAS DELIVERED, IT STARTED OUT WITH THIS, "THE CITY OF ORONO FEELS IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF ORONO TAXPAYERS TO PLAN FOR THE LONG-TERM TO ENSURE INFRASTRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES ARE ADEQUATELY FUNDED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
ORONO TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN MAINTAINING A FISCALLY SOUND CITY AND OFFERING OUR RESIDENTS SOME OF THE LOWEST TAXES IN THE METRO AREA." I AGREE THAT MAKING FISCALLY SOUND DECISIONS IS ESSENTIAL, AND I ALSO AGREE THAT IT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF ORONO TAXPAYERS WHEN LONG TERM PLANNING IS DONE.
PLANNING IN THE CASE OF THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS RESULTED IN A LEVY INCREASE OF 12% THIS YEAR, TWO-THIRDS OF WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND LITIGATION AND FRACTURED RELATIONSHIPS HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN AND AROUND OUR CITY.
RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY WHEN LOOKING AT LONG TERM FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE CITY OF ORONO'S FIRE DEPARTMENT.
IN MAY OF 2018, WHEN THE LETTER WAS WRITTEN TO THE CITY OF LONG LAKE, DISCUSSION WAS HAD BY COUNSEL ABOUT WANTING TO HEAR FEEDBACK FROM SOME OF THE OTHER CITIES INVOLVED IN THE LONG LAKE FIRE CONTRACT.
THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO GO ABOUT MAKING SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO EMERGENCY SERVICE DELIVERY BECAUSE WE'RE JUST ONE OF MANY CLOSE KNIT LAKE SHORE CITIES.
WE'RE ALL INTERDEPENDENT AND RELY ON ONE ANOTHER WHEN CERTAIN EMERGENCIES DO OCCUR.
RECEIVING FEEDBACK FROM OTHER CITIES ALSO MATTERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN SERVICE CONTRACTS ARE INVOLVED.
ONE YEAR AGO THIS MONTH, OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR ADDRESSED THE UPCOMING EXPENSES OF THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT IN A MEMORANDUM TO CITY COUNCIL.
IT STATED, "CREATION OF THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL INCREASE FIRE EXPENDITURE SIGNIFICANTLY NEXT YEAR.
AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT, THE AMOUNT BUDGETED FOR LONG LAKE FIRE WILL BE ELIMINATED.
IT'S POSSIBLE THAT IN THE FUTURE WE WILL HAVE SOME CONTRACTS WITH NEIGHBORING CITIES THAT WILL OFFSET THE COST.
IF NOT, THE COST WILL HAVE TO BE ABSORBED INTO THE GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET." WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT IT WILL BE ON OUR RESIDENTS.
OUR RESIDENTS WILL ESSENTIALLY SHOULDER EXPENSES FOR THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RIGHT NOW, WE SHARE THAT WITH OTHER CITIES, WHICH HELPS CONTROL COSTS, AND THEREFORE TAXES, CONSOLIDATING RESOURCES AND COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS HELPS KEEP COSTS LOWER.
THIS COUNCIL CURRENTLY HAS DIFFERENT OPINIONS AND OUR ASSESSMENT OF THE BENEFITS OF THE ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT.
OTHER LAKE SHORE CITIES ARE AWARE OF THIS.
THEY'RE ALSO AWARE THAT THE CITIZENS WE SERVE HAVE NOT BEEN AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS.
I DID ATTEND THE LONG LAKE FIRE FORUM THAT WAS HELD ON MAY 29TH, AND IT WAS CLEAR THAT BOTH RESIDENTS AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY HAVE SOME MISGIVINGS ABOUT THE DIRECTION WE'RE TAKING IN ORONO.
IN ADDITION, INFORMATION WAS PRESENTED AT THE FORUM THAT HIGHLIGHTED HOW COSTLY IT IS TO CREATE AND OPERATE AN INDEPENDENT FIRE DEPARTMENT.
THESE ARE ALL FACTORS TO KEEP IN MIND AS WE APPROACH THE 2025 BUDGET CYCLE.
COUNCIL HAS VERBALIZED A COMMITMENT TO FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE DECISION MAKING.
[00:50:03]
OVER THE NEXT NUMBER OF MONTHS, WE'LL BE DEMONSTRATING HOW WE COVER ALL ESSENTIAL EXPENSES NEEDED IN OUR CITY, AND ALSO HOW WE PLAN TO CONTINUALLY FUND AN ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE.I WILL ADDRESS THE MAYOR'S COMMENTS MADE DURING AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 9 AND 10, BECAUSE ESSENTIALLY, I DO NOT SUPPORT SPENDING CITY FUNDS ON A TEMPORARY FIRE STATION AND HIRING BECAUSE OUR CITY IS ABLE TO RECEIVE FIRE AND EMS SERVICES FROM THE CITY OF LONG LAKE.
>> COUNCIL MEMBER CROSBY. IF YOU'RE READY.
>> I'M SET. THERE'S BEEN SOME TALK THIS EVENING ABOUT THE BOAT.
I BELIEVE THE CITY OF LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN FULLY AWARE THAT THEY'RE STILL COVERING THE WATER.
THAT WAS NEVER CHANGED OR TAKEN OFF THE TABLE.
I DISAGREE WITH MR. ANDERSON THINKING THE BOAT IS NECESSARY.
I DO BELIEVE THAT PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN MARINAS AND FIREFIGHTERS IS PIVOTAL WITH ALL THE CITIZENS.
BUT AS FAR AS THE SURPRISE OF THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE WATER, THE ONE THING THAT PERSON FROM LONG LAKE SHOULD REMEMBER, THAT BOAT WOULDN'T BE IN THE WATER IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS COUNCIL.
BECAUSE WE GOT IT DONE, THEY DIDN'T.
THAT BOAT WAS DONATED BY A CITIZEN OF ORONO.
I DO BELIEVE MARINA'S WORKING IN CONJECTURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH FIREFIGHTERS IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF LIFE SAFETY.
I FIND IT COMPLETELY DISINGENUOUS TO GO TO ANOTHER CITY'S FISH FRY.
I THINK IT'S GREAT THAT YOU DO THAT.
BUT TO NOT SUPPORT YOUR OWN DEPARTMENT WHEN YOU'RE A CITY COUNCIL PERSON FOR THE CITY OF ORONO IS COMPLETELY DISINGENUOUS. IT REALLY IS.
WE HAVE TO STAFF THIS DEPARTMENT.
WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT ARE GOING TO SERVE THIS COMMUNITY.
WE ARE HAVING A FIRE DEPARTMENT.
TALKING ABOUT HOW WE CAN AFFORD IT WHEN WE ARE THE BUDGET IS OLD AND IT'S BORING.
THE LOGIC IS THE CITY THAT PAYS 5-7% OF THE BILL, THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM GOING TO 100%, BUT ORONO GOING 85-90% TO 100, THAT'S THE IMPOSSIBILITY.
WELL, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THAT MATH DOESN'T ADD UP.
THIS WHOLE THING HAS BECOME EXTREMELY POLITICAL.
IF THE CITY OF LONG LAKE WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WILL NOT HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH 5% OF A BUDGET, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DONE DEAL.
WHILE THESE PEOPLE THINKING THAT THEY'RE BRINGING THINGS TOGETHER OR THEY'RE BRINGING THINGS TO LIGHT, YOU'RE NOT BRINGING ANYTHING TO LIGHT.
YOU'RE DIVIDING THE SITUATION.
THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT IF THE CITY OF LONG LAKE SIMPLY SAID, ORONO, YOU HAVE THE LOCKSTOCK OF THE BUDGET.
YOU TAKE OVER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
IT'S THAT EASY BECAUSE NOBODY IS GIVING THEM A SEAT AT THE TABLE.
IF ANYBODY REALLY, TRULY BELIEVES THAT, HOW MANY PARTNERSHIPS WHERE THE PERSON PAYING 5% RUNS THE SHOW? DOESN'T HAPPEN.
PARTNERSHIP, AS IT BEST, 50-50, COULD MAYBE BE A 60-40.
IT'S NOT A 5-95. DOESN'T HAPPEN.
THEY'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE DECISION MAKING AT THE TABLE.
NOW, IF YOU WANT TO HELP THE SITUATION, YOU'LL WORK ON BRINGING PEOPLE AND DEPARTMENTS TOGETHER.
IT'S ABOUT SAYING, IF THEY NEED HELP, WILL ORONO FIRE DEPARTMENT GO AND HELP THEM OUT? YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT THEY WILL, AND VICE VERSA.
IT SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT POLITICAL GARBAGE BEING THROWN ACROSS AND TRYING TO DEMONIZE EVERYBODY.
>> WE HAVE TO GET INTO REALITY.
YES, ORONO CAN AFFORD ITS OWN FIRE DEPARTMENT.
THERE WAS NO COMPLETE OUTRAGE WHEN THE CITY OF LONG LAKE WALKED AWAY FROM ORONO PD.
[00:55:05]
>> THAT HAPPENED. THERE WAS NO OUTRAGE.
WE DIDN'T LIKE IT, BUT THEY WERE ENTITLED TO DO WHAT THEY FELT WAS BEST FOR THEIR CITY, JUST AS THE CITIZENS OF ORONO ARE ENTITLED TO DO WHAT THEY FEEL IS BEST FOR THEIR CITY.
WHEN IT'S OUR TAX DOLLARS ON THE LINE, WE'RE GOING TO BE THE ONES MAKING THE DECISIONS.
IF YOU DON'T SUPPORT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, ORONO FIRE, YOU'RE NOT SUPPORTING THE CITIZENS OF ORONO.
IT'S FINE TO GO SUPPORT MOUNTS FISH FRY AND OTHER COMMUNITIES.
THE LONG LAKE PANCAKE BREAKFAST, TERRIFIC.
BUT IF YOU DON'T SUPPORT OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND THE EQUIPMENT AND THE STATION, YOU'RE NOT SUPPORTING ORONO RESIDENTS. YOU'RE NOT.
YOU COULD THINK YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S GOING TO STOP IT WHEN IT'S ALREADY DONE, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
WE CAN PLAY AT THIS FOR HOW LONG? BUT AGAIN, IT'S GETTING OLD.
IT'S TIME TO HAVE THAT REALIZATION AND MOVE IT FORWARD.
IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER.
I'LL STORM THE CAPITAL WITH YOU THIS TIME IF HE DON'T GET ELECTED, HOW ABOUT THAT.
>> YOU'RE OUT OF ORDER, AND SWEARING TOO.
>> YOU COULD BE AS DELUSIONAL AS YOU WANT TO BE.
BUT INTERRUPTING JUST TO MAKE A RIDICULOUS POINT, IT DOESN'T GET YOU ANY CREDIT HERE. IT DOESN'T.
YOU WANT TO LOOK CRAZY, GO AHEAD.
I KNOW YOU DON'T. I KNOW YOU DON'T. I KNOW YOU DON'T.
>> WE'RE GOING TO MOVE ON HERE. THANK YOU, BRAD.
BRAD, IT'S COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON'S TURN.
>> THANK YOU. WITH THAT, THANKS.
YEAH, JUST TO THROW IN A COUPLE OF THINGS.
I THINK WHEN YOU BROUGHT UP THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND LONG LAKE DECIDING TO WALK AWAY FROM ORONO ON THAT. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? THE TRUTH IS, IS SINCE THAT'S HAPPENED, WE PROVIDE MUTUAL AID FOR LONG LAKE WITHOUT QUESTION, OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT DOES.
WE'VE HAD OFFICERS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR SERVICE IN LONG LAKE.
IT REALLY IS PAID FOR BY ORONO TAXPAYERS, BUT WE DO IT WITHOUT HESITATION, AND AS A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY.
I THINK IT'S REALLY INTERESTING WITH THIS FIRE, AND BECAUSE WE'RE ON THE ISSUE WITH THE BOAT.
FIRST OF ALL, THAT'S A DOCK IN ORONO THAT THAT BOAT SITS ON.
SO THANK YOU, ORONO, FOR PROVIDING THAT ACCESS.
THE OTHER THING IS, EVEN WHEN WE TAKE OVER TERRITORY NUMBER 2, WHICH IS THE NAVARRE AREA IN CASCO, WE STILL OWN 85% OF ALL THE EQUIPMENT SITTING IN STATION NUMBER 1 IN LONG LAKE.
YES, YOU'RE NODDING YOUR HEAD, BUT NO, WE DO.
WE OWN POTENTIALLY MORE THAN 85% OF ALL THE EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THERE.
WE'RE PAYING 85% OF THE BUDGET OF STATION NUMBER 1, EVEN WHEN WE TAKE OVER OUR TERRITORY.
THE IDEA THAT THEY'RE NOT GOING TO SUPPORT OUR TERRITORY IF WE NEED THEM IS ABSOLUTELY PREPOSTEROUS, EVEN IF WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY MONEY IN THERE BECAUSE YOU DO MUTUAL AID TO YOUR SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.
WE CONTRIBUTE 85%, SOMEWHERE THEREABOUTS, OF ALL THE EQUIPMENT.
IF WE NEED IT IN TERRITORY NUMBER 2, DURING OUR TRANSITION, I SURE EXPECT THEM TO PROVIDE BECAUSE WE'RE ALREADY PAYING FOR IT TO BE THERE.
THIS WHOLE IDEA THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY'RE NOT GOING TO PROVIDE BOAT SERVICE INTO OUR TERRITORY, AND WE REALLY OWN IT, OR THE MAJORITY OF IT, IS PREPOSTEROUS.
BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S AN ISSUE ANYMORE.
MAYBE THEIR COUNCIL WASN'T AWARE THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PREPARED TO DO IT.
BUT I TRUST THOSE FIREFIGHTERS IN LONG LAKE, EVEN AFTER WE MAKE OUR MOVE.
THEY ARE SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR GREATER COMMUNITY, AND I TRUST THEM TO HELP US WHEN WE NEED IT, AND THEY CAN COUNT ON US WHEN WE CAN.
WE'RE INTRODUCING SOME COVERAGE THAT THEY DON'T HAVE FOR THEMSELVES, AND WE ARE GOING TO HELP SUPPORT THEM AND THEIR RESIDENTS EVERY DAY THAT WE CAN.
[01:00:01]
BUT I WANT TO ALSO TAKE A MINUTE TO JUST TALK ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TOO, BECAUSE WE HAVE MORE TRAGEDIES IN THE POLICING COMMUNITY IN THE NEWS LATELY.WE KEEP GETTING REMINDERS OF HOW MUCH WE HAVE TO THANK POLICE AND FIRE FOR WHAT THEY DO.
IT'S DIFFERENT THAN WHAT I DO IN MY BUSINESS FOR SURE, WHAT WE'RE ASKING POLICE TO DO, AND I WANT TO FIND WAYS TO CONTINUE TO THANK THEM.
I WOULD REQUEST THAT COREY, MAYBE GIVE US AN UPDATE ON POLICE.
ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO MAKE SURE IS THEY'RE BEING SUPPORTED, THEY KNOW THEY HAVE OUR SUPPORT AS A COUNCIL, THAT FINANCIALLY THEY'RE BEING SUPPORTED, THAT THEY'RE GETTING THE TRAINING THAT THEY NEED AS THEIR INDUSTRY CHANGES.
IT'S INCREASINGLY MORE DANGEROUS AND IT'S A DIFFICULT KIND OF DANGER, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF TRAINING.
BUT I'M GOING TO BE THINKING ABOUT A WAY THAT WE CAN TAKE SOME EXTRA EFFORT TO DO SOMETHING TO THANK OUR POLICE SO THEY KNOW WE'RE BEHIND THEM.
>> GIVE THEM A RAISE, ALL OF THEM.
>> I THINK IT'S A GOOD POINT BECAUSE NOT SO LONG AGO, THE CHIEF CAME TO US AND SAID, "HEY, THE MARKET'S CHANGING, WE'RE NOT AS COMPETITIVE AS WE NEED TO BE," AND WE ACTED EXTREMELY QUICK AS A COUNCIL TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CHANGED THE STRUCTURE.
IN HIS REPORT, IT WOULD BE GOOD TO GET AN UPDATE FROM HIM OF HOW WE'RE SITTING IN WAGES.
ARE WE MAINTAINING OUR COMPETITIVENESS? BECAUSE I THINK WAS THAT TWO YEARS AGO THAT WE CHANGED THAT?
>> CHANGE IS PART OF THE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.
>> YEAH, BUT IT WOULD BE GOOD TO GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM CHIEF ON THAT TOO FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE WE DO HAVE TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVENESS, BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT WE HAVE THE BEST PEOPLE ON THE ROADS AS POSSIBLE.
THEN ON A SEPARATE NOTE, IT'S MY MOM'S BIRTHDAY TODAY, SO I'D LIKE TO WISH HER A BIRTHDAY.
>> IT LOOKS LIKE THIS MEETING IS GOING TO STAY WITHIN A REASONABLE LIMIT, WHICH IS NICE TOO SO THAT I CAN GO SEE HER. THAT'S WHAT I HAD.
>> I HAD TOLD HER A BIRTHDAY, FOR SURE. WELL, WE GOT A FEW THINGS.
WE GOT THE PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE JUST TO REMIND EVERYBODY FROM, I THINK 3:00-5:00 OR 3:00-6:00?
NOT THIS WEEKEND, BUT THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, THE WHOLE WEEK ACTUALLY IS OUR 100-YEAR CELEBRATION AT THE ORONO ORCHARD GOLF COURSE.
ON THE FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A WHOLE BUNCH OF FUN MUSIC, AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE PAVILION DEDICATION TO THE FESSER FAMILY, WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL SUPERINTENDENT AND HELP BUILD THE GOLF COURSE.
THEIR FAMILY IS GO TO COME INTO TOWN FOR THAT.
THAT'S GOING TO BE PRETTY FUN AND SPECIAL.
IN THE MORNING, WE HAVE THE COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR.
I KNOW EVERYBODY LOVES COMING TO THAT.
I KNOW SOMEONE HAD MENTIONED BRINGING EVERYBODY TOGETHER, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY FOR THE ORONO GARDEN CLUB TALKED ABOUT BRINGING FLOWERS AND BRINGING COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
THAT WAS RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY, FOR SURE.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE COMMENTS BY A LONG LAKE RESIDENT, THE ONLY PEOPLE CONFUSED ABOUT THE WATER SERVICE AND TERRITORY TOO IS LONG LAKE CITY COUNCIL.
CHARLIE MINER IS VERY CONFUSED.
IF THEY'D JUST CALLED AND ASKED THEIR FIRE DEPARTMENT, THEY WOULD HAVE TOLD THEM EXACTLY WHAT WAS GOING ON.
I WOULD THINK AT SOME POINT, LONG LAKE RESIDENTS WOULD START ASKING THEIR OWN COUNCIL, "WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?" BECAUSE I KNOW AT THEIR OPEN HOUSE, A LONG LAKE RESIDENT ASKED CHARLIE, THEIR MAYOR, "WHAT'S IT GOING TO LOOK LIKE WHEN THE CONTRACT ENDS?" CHARLIE DID NOT HAVE AN ANSWER, EXCEPT TO SAY, "IT'S JUST GOING TO COST MORE." HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY ANSWER.
MAYBE THEY SHOULD START WORKING ON THEIR OWN PLAN MOVING FORWARD AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT ORONO WAS DOING.
I DO AGREE WITH MATT AND RICHARD THAT I BELIEVE IT IS A COMPLETE DERELICTION OF DUTY NOT TO ADEQUATELY FUND AND STAFF OUR OWN FIRE DEPARTMENTS, AND TO VOTE AGAINST IT MEANS YOU'RE NOT WORKING FOR OUR CITIZENS OF ORONO AT ALL, AND I THINK I MENTIONED THAT BEFORE.
MOUND AND ORONO ALL DID THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, SO A LOT OF FABULOUS SENIORS OUT THERE, OF WHICH I HAD ONE.
I KNOW COUNCIL MEMBER BENSON HAD ONE AS WELL.
THEN WE HAD THE STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WAS THE STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS, EVEN THOUGH SCHOOL IS OUT.
ORONO HAD THE MOST EVER, IN THE STATE MEET, RUNNING RACES. IT WAS AMAZING.
MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A COUPLE OF THEM.
THE BOYS 4*800 TOOK SECOND PLACE IN THE STATE, HIGHEST EVER BY AN ORONO RELAY TEAM.
IT WAS AN AMAZING FEAT TO WATCH.
THE PARENTS WERE JUST GOING CRAZY.
THEN AFTER ORONO RESIDENTS GRADUATE,
[01:05:05]
WE GOT TO MOVE THEM INTO SCHOOL, SO I DID THAT LAST NIGHT.BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER IS ON THE GYMNASTICS TEAM, ALL ATHLETES HAD TO MOVE IN LAST NIGHT AS PRACTICE STARTED TODAY, AND THEY ACTUALLY HAD TO START CLASSES TAKING TODAY.
I HAD TO GO MAKE HER BED, GET HER SOME FOOD, MEET HER ROOMMATES.
THAT WAS PRETTY FUN. ANYWAYS, I'LL LEAVE YOU WITH A GOOD QUOTE.
WE ALSO HAD A BUSY WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND BECAUSE WE WERE REMEMBERING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF D DAY.
I DON'T KNOW IF ANYBODY PAID ATTENTION TO THAT.
BUT THAT'S THE LANDING OF NORMANDY, OF 156,000 AMERICAN, BRITISH, AND CANADIAN FORCES.
MAYBE IT IS THE 80TH, 1944, BEGINNING THE END OF WORLD WAR II.
HERE'S THE QUOTE FROM WORLD WAR II US PARATROOPER.
IT SAYS, "HITLER MADE ONLY ONE BIG MISTAKE WHEN HE BUILT HIS ATLANTIC WALL.
HE FORGOT TO PUT A ROOF ON IT," BECAUSE THEY PARACHUTED IN AND TOOK OVER.
THANK GOD FOR ALL OF OUR PATRIOTS OUT THERE, OUR POLICE DEPARTMENTS, OUR FIRE DEPARTMENTS, AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT KEEP US SAFE, PUBLIC WORKS, ETC.
WITH THAT, I WILL MAKE A MOVE TO ADJOURN.
>> HAVE A GOOD NIGHT, EVERYBODY.
>> THANKS FOR COMING.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.